Page 31 of Deprivation

“Thanks, Dr. Barnes.” She beams proudly. Running back toward her brother, they take turns kicking the soccer ball into the net.

“Nick, you’ve really gotten them excited about the sport. I can’t thank you enough, man,” Jake states, patting me on the back.

“Nah, Jake. Your kids are awesome. I’ve enjoyed hanging out with them. I’d always thought I’d have kids and hoped they’d be into soccer like yours, but alas, I don’t think it’s meant to be.”

“Come on, you aren’t that old. It could still happen.”

“I don’t think so, Jake. My divorce was one hell of a nightmare. Not doing that again. I think I’ll just work with a group like the Big Brother association or something. It’s just not in the cards for me.”

“Good lord, you sound like Kat.”

Now, this has my ears pricked. “What do you mean?”

“Hell, I don’t think she’s dated the same guy more than once in three or four years. She says, ‘It’s never going to happen, Jake, why make myself miserable forcing it?’ ” Jake imitates her using a high-pitched girly tone.

“What? People swarm around her in the ER like she has an official fan club or something. Why would she give up on dating? Did she suffer a bad divorce, too?” I prod.

“No. She’s complicated. Hasn’t had any luck with men, and I think she’s resigned herself to a life of friends and work. It’s sad, but if she meets one more asshole, I’ll probably end up on the news for trying to kill the bastard. She’s a good girl. She deserves better than the men she’s dated.”

I watch as Jake bends over to grab the soccer ball that’s rolled our way. He tosses it back to the kids, who start running down field with it. I find the information on Kat’s love life astonishing. For a girl who doesn’t date, she’s constantly hugging and dancing with attractive men.

“Hey, you should join us tonight. It’s Mel’s birthday. You didn’t get to meet her the other night. Unfortunately, she had as much fun as Kat at The Zone and wants to gothereto celebrate. I called ahead and booked a VIP area so at least we can all sit together while the girls dance. It won’t be a late night.”

“I don’t know, man. I have an early morning.”

“Hey, I get it. I wouldn’t be interested if I didn’t have to go. But happy wife, happy life and all that.”

“You’re a good man, Charlie Brown.” I grin. “What time will you be there, if I decide to stop in for a free beer?”

“8:00 p.m. Yeah, drinks are on me.”

* * *

As I exit my shower, toweling off, I look in the mirror.Yeah, you know you can’t not go if she’s going to be there. From what Jake insinuated, the engagement ring assumption I made must be as correct as the theories she was sleeping with Jake… or a lesbian. Lord, have I always been this dense or am I just this jaded from my divorce? Putting on dark jeans and a black button up dress shirt, I look at my watch: 8:15 p.m.I guess I’m doing this.

I pull up to The Zone and note, thankfully, there’s no line to enter this evening. I wonder what the mid-week cover charge might be. As I approach the bouncer outside the entrance, I state I’m here to meet a VIP party. When he confirms the name, I’m allowed access without a fee. Well, if the drinks really are on Jake tonight, this won’t be too bad.

Taking the familiar path to the main floor of the club, I ask a passing waitress where to find the VIP section. She points toward the right of the club, where several booths have signage placed adjacent. As I get closer, I see Jake and his beautiful wife.

“There he is. Hey, thanks for coming, Nick. Nick, this is my wife, Melanie. Mel, this is Nick Barnes. He’s the orthopedic surgeon who just started working out of St. Luke’s. He’s the guy who’s been working with Seth and Ruby on the soccer field.”

At this realization, I watch her face light up. “Oh, my gosh, that’s you? They talk about you like you’re a rock star! It’s so nice to finally meet you,” she states, pulling me in for a hug before I know what’s happening. Is she already drunk? Maybe she’s just super affectionate. No wonder I thought her and Kat were lovers. “Thanks for coming tonight.”

Trying to remember my manners, I reach into my pocket and pull out a small gift card. “I didn’t have a clue what you might like, but the food here was pretty good the other night, so I thought you two might enjoy a night out. Hell, I could take the kids to the park to kick the ball around while you enjoy yourselves. They’re awesome, by the way.”

“Holy cow, you’re too good to be true,” Melanie says astonished by the offer. “Are you single?”

“Terminally,” Jake answers. “He and Kat are cut from the same cloth.” He winks at her. “Speaking of Kat, what’d you do with her, Mel?”

“I didn’t do anything. Some guy at the bar asked her to dance, and off she went.”

Trying to look casual, I scan the dance floor but come up short. Suddenly, Melanie jumps, and I look over to see Kat’s arms are wrapped around Melanie, chin resting atop her right shoulder.

“Were your ears burning, Kat?” Jake laughs.

“Hmmm?” she asks smoothly.Is she drunk, too? “Come on, Mel, I need you.” She begs her as she drags her friend onto the dance floor.

“Have a seat, Nick” he directs, handing me a cold beer. “Kat gets high on music and dancing, so she’ll have Melanie out there for a while. I think it’s the closest thing Kat has to sex.”

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